Michael Dunlop was third fastest on the Hawk Racing BMW at 116.352mph, ending the session 1.6 seconds down on Sheils.

Dan Kneen was next on the Mar-Train Yamaha at 116.227mph followed by William Dunlop (MMB Yamaha) and Mullingar rider Derek McGee on the NW Racing BMW, who lapped at 115.491mph and 114.636mph respectively.

Jamie Coward, standing in the for the injured Alan Bonner in the Devitt RC Express Kawasaki team, was seventh quickest followed by Tyco BMW’s Ian Hutchinson.

Steve Mercer, a replacement for injury-hit Ivan Lintin on the Devitt RC Express Kawasaki, and Bruce Anstey on the Valvoline Padgetts Honda RC213V-S completed the top ten.

Practice for the Ulster Grand Prix Superbike races is due to be held shortly.